By Dahiru Suleiman

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, has launched the North-West National Community Food Bank in Hadejia, Jigawa State, urging state governments across the region to actively support the initiative as it is rolled out nationwide.

Speaking at the inauguration, the First Lady described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a deliberate and sustainable response to food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable households across the country.

She said the programme is designed to ensure that vulnerable children under the age of six, pregnant women, and lactating mothers have access to nutritious food.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in advancing food security, improving healthcare outcomes, and building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

Tinubu explained that the programme is being implemented through a strategic partnership involving the Office of the First Lady, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and the Bank of Agriculture.

She recalled that the programme, alongside its Board of Trustees, was first launched in Abuja on April 2, 2026.

The First Lady also commended the Federal and Jigawa State governments for investing in healthcare and education, describing the projects inaugurated during her visit as evidence of their commitment to improving the welfare of citizens.

She noted that communities in and around Hadejia have long grappled with a growing burden of chronic kidney disease, expressing optimism that the installation of a new dialysis machine at the Hadejia Dialysis Centre would provide much-needed relief to patients and their families.

Tinubu also highlighted the significance of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Academy, saying it reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to human capital development and educational excellence.
“By investing in the education of our children today, we are securing a better tomorrow for them,” she said.

She called on individuals, organisations, institutions, and development partners across the North-West geopolitical zone to support and actively participate in the Community Food Bank Programme to ensure its success.

In his remarks, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi described the National Community Food Bank Programme as a timely intervention that reinforces government’s constitutional.

responsibility to safeguard the welfare of citizens through improved access to adequate food.

He said the initiative complements the state’s ongoing efforts to combat malnutrition, strengthen social protection, and improve the well-being of vulnerable families.

According to the governor, Jigawa has already established a strong policy framework through its State Food and Nutrition Policy and State Social Protection Policy, both of which provide targeted nutrition support for mothers, children, and vulnerable households.

Namadi added that the Community Food Bank Programme would further strengthen these interventions by delivering nutritious food directly to those most in need through a coordinated, community-based approach.